The Attic

Thursday, May 18, at 22:30
main stage

Rodrigo Amado (tenor saxophone)
Gonçalo Almeida (double bass)
Onno Govaert (drums)

Photo: Nuno Martins

For the first time at our festival, we will host one of the most influential Portuguese saxophonists, Rodrigo Amado, who is described as a continuation of the tradition of free spiritual jazz, as embodied by Pharoah Sanders. He has almost 30 albums under his belt, many of which he recorded with international bands such as The Bridge, Motion Trio or Northern Liberties. His long-term project Lisbon Improvisation Players and other ensembles are all guided by the same principle of opening up the concept of composing in real time to as many perspectives as possible. The Attic’s music lies at the intersection of free jazz, improvisation and composing in real time. The review of the last, third album, Love Ghosts (2022) in All About Jazz, concluded that, “while Amado will no doubt continue to find willing partners among his fellow avant-garde luminaries, his trio recordings offer the most complete glimpse of his prowess, and Love Ghosts could be his best yet.” The trio’s drummer Onno Govaert is one of the most prominent protagonists of the Dutch scene, whose playing is described as unconventional and spectacular. He has performed with renowned musicians such as Ab Baars, Dave Rempis and Trevor Dunn. Double bassist Gonçalo Almeida, who lives in the Netherlands, tackles diverse genres, from free jazz and jazzcore through contemporary classical music to sound art.